EXCUSE #3: I've tried to network, but no one wants to help me.
RESPONSE: Networking isn't just about getting people to help you; It's about cultivating relationships, sharing ideas, and maintaining contact. If your motive behind networking is to just to get a new job, it's probably obvious to those in your circle. People will help those that they trust, not someone they've just met or don't really know that well.
Try this: Offer your skills without pay. Volunteer at events where you know successful people will be, and always follow-up within a week with every person you've met.more
EXCUSE #5: I'm too old. No one will want to hire me.
RESPONSE: You're never to old to pursue your dreams! The fact that you're older just means that you have more hands-on knowledge. What's important is your ability to demonstrate and convey the advantage of your experience to a hiring professional.
The hesitation with hiring older candidates is that they may be unteachable or rigid because they already have a wealth of knowledge. Your job is to eradicate that notion by remaining open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn new things. Brush up your computer and job-seeking skills by taking a course or asking a younger colleague to teach you. Replace your doubt with determination and remain positive about your ability to compete with your younger, and less experienced counterparts.more
Do you have any career or job seeking questions? Send them to careerquestions@blackenterprise.com.
Aisha Taylor (@realTAYLORmade) is co-owner and chief consultant at TAYLORmade Professional Career Consulting, a Web-based, full-service career consulting company committed to “equipping, preparing, and empowering today’s professional†globally. Check out her weekly insights on job-seeking and interviewing success every Friday on BlackEnterprise.com.more